Brazilian AF Receives More Than Just Flight Controls for KC-390

BAE Systems, as part of an agreement to provide the flight control system and active side sticks for Embraer’s KC-390 military transport aircraft, has finalized an industrial cooperation contract with the Brazilian Air Force. This is the first agreement of its type completed as part of the KC-390 program.

"This agreement is designed to create new opportunities for Brazil’s domestic aerospace industry," said Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions at BAE Systems. "It will entail software development training and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the KC-390 flight control system that will be performed in Brazil. BAE Systems has also proposed performing some final assembly work for its KC-390 products in the country."

"The KC-390 Program is a great opportunity for the evolution of the Brazilian Aerospace Industry. We are happy to see that BAE Systems has made the strategic commitment to our efforts. It will be an important partner in providing technological solutions in Brazil to support the development and future operation of the KC-390 fleet," said Brigadier-General Crepaldi, president of COPAC, the Brazilian Air Force Commission in charge of the KC-390 program.

The KC-390 is a twin-turbofan powered, medium-weight transport jet that can be refuelled in flight and used for in-flight or on-ground refuelling of other aircraft. BAE Systems will provide the flight control electronics that provides full fly-by-wire control for the aircraft. In addition, the company will provide active side sticks for the KC-390, which represents the latest evolution in inceptor technology, enabling pilots to control aircraft by improving performance through tactile cues used to direct and manoeuvre the plane.

"We are committed to working closely with both the Brazilian customer and local industry," says Jim Reid, general manager of BAE Systems in Brazil. "This agreement is further evidence of this intent and comes on the back of our final OPV delivery to the Brazilian Navy and ongoing partnership with the Brazilian Army upgrading its M113 fleet."

BAE Systems has provided support to the Brazilian Armed Forces for naval guns, radars, and armored vehicles since 1998 from its office in Brasilia.